Acoustic trauma

Alternative names:

ear injury; injury to the ear; trauma, ear

Definition:

An injury to the hearing mechanisms within the inner ear, caused by excessively loud noise.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Acoustic trauma is a common cause of sensory hearing loss. Damage to the hearing mechanisms within the inner ear may result from explosion near the ear, certain musicians, long exposure to loud noises such as loud music or loud machinery, or other recreational sound such as hunting. Acoustic trauma is a form of occupational hearing loss.